SMF Session Reallocation When UPF Load Metrics Are Missing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication networks, the failure to timely receive accurate load metrics from User Plane Functions (UPFs) leads to improper session allocations, overloading of network components, and potential service disruptions due to communication failures.
Innovation Solution
The Session Management Function (SMF) actively monitors and queries UPFs for load metrics, reallocates sessions based on available data, and generates alerts when issues arise, ensuring proactive and responsive network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the SMF waits for load metric information from UPF before allocating sessions, then accurate load-based session allocation is achieved, but network service continuity is compromised when metrics are not timely received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a proactive monitoring mechanism where the SMF sends periodic queries to UPFs to request load metric information. This allows the system to proactively obtain load metrics before they are needed for session allocation decisions, ensuring that accurate information is available when required while maintaining service continuity even if a metric update is delayed or lost.
2Loss of time
If the SMF actively queries UPF for load metrics, then timely load information is obtained, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the SMF send load metric queries to UPFs at regular intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic querying mechanism ensures that load metric information is obtained timely for session allocation decisions while limiting the frequency of queries to reduce unnecessary signaling overhead and conserve network resources.
3Reliability
If sessions are reallocated based on last known metrics when UPF is unresponsive, then service continuity is maintained, but load distribution accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a fallback mechanism where the SMF maintains and uses the last known load metric information from UPFs. When a UPF becomes unresponsive or fails to provide updated metrics, the SMF can continue to make session allocation decisions based on the most recent available data, cushioning against the impact of the failure and maintaining service continuity until the UPF recovers or alternative metrics are obtained.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for managing load distribution in a telecommunications network. Specifically, a session management function (SMF) dynamically reallocates or redirects network sessions when the required load metric information is not received from a user plane function (UPF). The SMF utilizes control information and historical performance data to infer the operational status of the UPF and make real-time decisions to prevent network congestion and maintain service quality. This approach allows the SMF to continue managing network sessions efficiently, even in the absence of updated load metrics, ensuring the network remains stable and responsive under varying condition.